The Season of Small Business
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As we wrap up this Season of Small Business, we want to express our gratitude for the tremendous impact small businesses and support organizations have on our communities.
Throughout this season, we have witnessed incredible support for local businesses across the state. It’s heartening to see such a strong community spirit and commitment to helping small businesses thrive. Your involvement, through running a business, shopping locally, or offering business resources, has made a significant difference.
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Here are some highlights from the Season of Small Business:
- Increased visibility and support for local businesses
- Enhanced collaboration between community partners and entrepreneurs
- Local spending, benefiting communities and local economies
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As the holiday season continues, let’s carry forward this spirit of support and collaboration. Together, we can ensure that our small businesses continue to grow and succeed.
For more information about ongoing small business resources and support, please visit our website, call the Small Business Assistance team at 800-310-8323, or complete this intake form.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
- The Office of Small Business and Innovation Team
Launch Grant Recipient Awarded $1.8M in Federal Funding
XanthosHealth, a Launch MN grant recipient, has been awarded $1.8M from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to advance its groundbreaking work in improving cancer screening and prevention. The company received this funding as part of a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award – a federal grant that funds collaborations between small businesses and research institutions. XanthosHealth will utilize this funding to support the development and scaling of their innovative solutions aimed at increased access to early cancer detection, particularly for underserved populations.
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National Institute of Health SBIR/STTR Cohort
MNSBIR, Inc. assists startups and small businesses to secure federal government funding to research, develop and commercialize a novel solution for economic and social impacts. MNSBIR is currently accepting applications for its National Institute of Health (NIH) SBIR/STTR Cohort, which will run from January 14 to March 10. Apply by January 10 for your opportunity to access one-on-one coaching that could help your business access its share of $1.4B available through the NIH.
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New Compliance Checklist for Small Businesses
The Small Business Assistance Office (SBAO) released a new compliance checklist to help early-stage companies navigate state and federal requirements. This guide covers essential topics such as business registration, licensing, tax obligations and more. Designed for both new and existing businesses, the checklist is a valuable resource for staying compliant while focusing on growth.
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Make It Minnesota
The Make It Minnesota program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides cost-sharing support to local food and beverage businesses. The program reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses related to marketing, equipment, and business development. This funding helps businesses expand their reach and increase production capacity while supporting the state’s innovative food economy.
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LegalCORPS Workshops and Resources
LegalCORPS provides free legal services to small businesses, startups and nonprofits that can’t afford private legal counsel. From business law clinics to entity formation to intellectual property advice and contract review, LegalCORPS connects entrepreneurs with volunteer attorneys to address a wide range of legal needs.
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St. Thomas E-Fest Opportunity Available for Students
E-Fest is an annual competition celebrating college entrepreneurs by bringing together student innovators to showcase their business ideas and compete for over $200,000 in cash prizes. In addition to the competition, E-Fest offers development grants of up to $2,500 to support students as they prepare for the event.
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Friday Forum Archive
Launch Minnesota’s Friday Forums are an opportunity for Minnesota’s startup community to learn about new skills, growing industries and trends in technology. We hosted nine Friday Forums in 2024 with topics ranging from crowdfunding to government resources for small businesses.
All of these sessions are archived on our site. Visit this page to watch all of our 2024 Friday Forums.
Dates and topics for 2025 coming soon!
Future Solvers Cultivation Challenge
The FutureSolvers Cultivation Challenge focuses on university students developing innovative ideas that address challenges facing rural areas. Undergraduates from Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa are eligible to particulate in this agricultural pitch challenge, which will offer more than $14,500 in cash prizes.
AURI Launches New Tool for Food and Ag Entrepreneurs
To better serve the growing needs of new food businesses and producers, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) recently launched a new tool called AURI’s Virtual Assistance (AVA). The free, USDA-funded resources will help ag producers, food entrepreneurs, business innovators and founders across the food chain find answers to commonly asked questions about the food business, safety, labeling and more.
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Upcoming Events
Find more events on Launch MN's Statewide Startup and Small Business Calendar.
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Resources for Entrepreneurs:
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